Fourth-year neurosurgery resident Dr. Subhashree Hari (P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai) joins Neurosurgery Tales to talk about what residency really looks like inside one of India’s busiest centers: high-volume clinics, learning under national leaders, the first mistake you never forget, and why communication can matter as much as the knife. Subtle cultural contrasts emerge naturally as we discuss training realities, resources, and mindset.
In this episode
The long path into Indian neurosurgery residency
Mentorship under top surgeons: inspiration vs. expectation
80–100 patient clinics: speed, stamina, and what actually sticks
The hardest non-surgical skill: clear, right-sized communication
The “first mistake” and how to prioritize under pressure
Case presentations and turning data into a story that lands
What her program does well, and how residents fill the gaps
Build up or break down first? A realistic view of resilience
Failure, “mediocrity,” and keeping the patient first
The 10-year vision: subspecialty, family, access, and teaching
Guest
Dr. Subhashree Hari • 4th-Year Neurosurgery Resident
P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & MRC, Mumbai, India
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:00 When residency first felt real
04:20 Training under India’s leading neurosurgeons
06:00 High-volume clinics: sharper or just tired?
08:00 The hardest non-surgical skill: communication
14:15 The first mistake you never forget
20:25 How to turn medical data into a compelling narrative
24:45 What Indian programs do well (and where residents self-correct)
29:30 Build up vs. break down
33:45 Failure, mediocrity, and keeping outcomes first
39:30 A 10-year vision: subspecialty, family, access, teaching
45:15 Closing
About the show
Neurosurgery Tales shares modern, honest conversations with neurosurgeons and residents worldwide.
Contact / Collabs
Press, academic, and sponsorship: atoma@neurosurgerytales.com
About Dr. Fernandez-MirandaProfessor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University; Surgical Director, Brain Tumor, Skull Base, and Pituitary Centers; internationally recognized for endoscopic skull base surgery, pituitary and cavernous sinus surgery, and white-matter–respecting approaches.In this episode, Professor Juan C. Fernandez-Miranda, MD (Stanford Neurosurgery) unpacks the decision to leave Spain for Albert Rhoton’s lab, what “complete resection” means when function is at risk, why restraint can be braver than reach, and the reconstruction choices that truly reduce CSF leaks. We also dig into training realities: endoscopic endonasal technique, cavernous sinus work, simulation that includes stress and chaos, and how to prepare teams for the complications that matter.Topics:• Spain → Rhoton: the leap that changed his career• The line he refuses to cross, even when he could “get it done”• Functional risk and defining “complete resection”• CSF-leak reduction: grafts, flaps, lumbar drains, and when to go free flap• Overused approaches in 2025 and where they still belong• Simulation that’s actually useful: bleeding, pressure, and team choreography• Habits outside medicine that sharpen intraoperative judgment• What to audit when technical perfection doesn’t help the patient• Training the next generation without shortcuts.Chapters00:00 Intro00:30 Spain → Rhoton: strategy vs leap of faith05:10 The surgical line he won’t cross07:20 What “complete resection” means when function is on the line10:50 Reconstruction to reduce CSF leaks (high-flow vs low-flow; flap strategy)15:05 Overused approaches and narrow indications (endonasal, transorbital)17:50 Simulation and realistic visualization (VR + cadaveric, carotid-injury drills)23:10 Concentration, meditation, and pre-op mental rehearsal26:15 When technical success ≠ patient benefit: indication, timing, expectations28:05 Teaching: wide base before tall tower; what he hopes fellows surpass him in29:35 What changed him most across a career — and what stayed the same
PODCAST INFO: YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcastSOCIAL: - TikTok: @neurosurgery.tale- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
Dr. Daniele Bongetta is Head of Neurosurgery at Fatebenefratelli in Milan, a researcher and educator. Trained at the University of Pavia, he has performed thousands of neurosurgical procedures with expertise spanning brain tumors, spinal and vascular surgery, and traumatic injuries. He co-founded the Neurosurgical Basics course to give residents essential skills often overlooked in traditional training, and he has published extensively on topics ranging from fluorescence-guided tumor surgery to impostor syndrome in young surgeons. Dr. Bongetta is also the Co-Director of the first-ever NeuroOlympics, an international event debuting in Rome that blends surgical training, competition, and the spirit of sport to reimagine how neurosurgeons learn and connect. In this episode:• Leadership as burden vs. opportunity• Why he co-founded Neurosurgical Basics to fill gaps in resident training• Impostor syndrome in neurosurgery and the mentors who change everything• Fluorescence-guided tumor surgery and low-cost innovation in the OR• Athlete or artist? The mindset surgeons carry into operating room• Designing the “perfect” operating room of the future• Mistake on the Lake: why we must talk openly about surgical complications• The defining challenge for the next generation of neurosurgeons• The first NeuroOlympics in Rome — mixing skill, sport, and community• Choosing neurosurgery again
Who owns your brain?Brain tech is here.Headbands track your focus. Stick-on “e-tattoos” read stress in real time. Neuralink implants are already in people.But the law is only now catching up.Chile has written neurorights into its Constitution. Colorado and California have declared brain-wave data “sensitive.” The EU bans emotion recognition in workplaces and schools.Still—outside the clinic, your brain data is often treated like shopping history, not sacred self. And that raises a bigger, more urgent question: If your thoughts can be recorded, who owns the master? You… or the system?In this episode of Deeply Unqualified, I explore:• The rise of consumer neurotech—headbands, tattoos, and headphones that read the mind• Why brain scans aren’t as anonymous as you think• How laws in Chile, the U.S., and Europe are drawing the first battle lines• What “neurorights” really mean for the future of privacy and identityAnd maybe the new rule we need is simple: My brain. My rules.PODCAST INFO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcastSOCIAL: - TikTok: @neurosurgery.tale- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
A conversation with Dr. Andrew Brunswick, neurosurgeon at Kaiser Permanente, Columbia and NYU trained, as we explore the intersections of finance, surgery, and mindset.In this episode:• From Wall Street to neurosurgery – how his early detour shaped ambition and risk-taking• Why simulation training is essential for rare, high-stakes moments in the OR• The balance between data, protocol, and intuition in neurosurgery• Coping with complications and the hidden emotional toll of surgery• Parenting, identity, and building resilience outside the OR• Rethinking burnout and what needs to change in neurosurgical training• The future culture of neurosurgery and why balance matters for the next generationDr. Brunswick also shares how meditation, equanimity, and mindset training can transform the way surgeons practice, both technically and emotionally.PODCAST INFO: YouTube
A conversation with Dr. Andrew Brunswick, neurosurgeon at Kaiser Permanente, Columbia and NYU trained, as we explore the intersections of finance, surgery, and mindset.In this episode:• From Wall Street to neurosurgery – how his early detour shaped ambition and risk-taking• Why simulation training is essential for rare, high-stakes moments in the OR• The balance between data, protocol, and intuition in neurosurgery• Coping with complications and the hidden emotional toll of surgery• Parenting, identity, and building resilience outside the OR• Rethinking burnout and what needs to change in neurosurgical training• The future culture of neurosurgery and why balance matters for the next generationDr. Brunswick also shares how meditation, equanimity, and mindset training can transform the way surgeons practice, both technically and emotionally.PODCAST INFO: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - TikTok: @neurosurgery.tale- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
A conversation with Prof. Peter Vajkoczy, Chairman of Neurosurgery at Charité Berlin, as we explore leadership, empathy, surgical philosophy, and life at the edge of medicine.In this episode:• Why arrogance is a risk in neurosurgery — and how humility must be protected• Writing Kopfarbeit: why he chose to share surgical failures as well as triumphs• Why empathy — and even suffering — are essential for growth in neurosurgery• Building one of the world’s top neurosurgery programs at Charité• His vision of mentorship and what young neurosurgeons most need to hear• Redefining success in life-extending but not life-curing surgeries• How daily work between life and death has shaped his view of mortality• Why perfection is impossible — and why constant improvement matters more. Connect with Prof. Peter Vajkoczy:Instagram: @pvajkoczyX (Twitter): @vajkoczyPODCAST INFO: SOCIAL: - TikTok: @neurosurgery.tale- Instagram:@neurosurgery_tales- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
What happens when doing “everything” becomes too much? In this episode of Deeply Unqualified, I confront the myth of surgical heroism—and the devastation it can leave behind.In this episode:• The cultural obsession with heroic surgery• Data from DECRA, RESCUEicp & JAMA Surgery• Ethical dilemmas: Can survival be a failure?• A personal reckoning with ego, courage, and the limits of medicineThis isn’t about blaming surgeons. It’s about asking better questions.What does it mean to be a good doctor when doing less might be the most humane act?
n this episode of Neurosurgery Tales, I sit down with Dr. Z—a board-certified neurosurgeon and one of the most influential medical voices on social media. Dr. Z brings an unfiltered, deeply human perspective to the world of spine surgery, medical training, and what it really means to strive for excellence.We talk about:• The emotional toll and discipline required in neurosurgery• Whether fear of being average is a healthy motivator• How he balances introversion with public visibility• Spine surgery controversies: arthroplasty vs. fusion• Managing patient expectations in the age of zero-pain culture• What it means to lead with both logic and empathy
In this episode of Neurosurgery Tales, I sit down with Dr. James K. Liu — internationally renowned skull base surgeon, innovator, and educator — for a deep and personal conversation about what it truly takes to pursue technical excellence in neurosurgery.
From the early moments that called him into medicine to high-stakes decisions in the OR, Dr. Liu opens up about the emotional weight of complications, the discipline of self-reflection, and how he balances bold innovation with patient safety.
We also explore his transition from academia to private practice, his vision for hybrid surgical careers, and how his Art of Brain Surgery video series is transforming surgical education worldwide.
In this episode:
• Why neurosurgery is a calling, not just a career
• Learning from complications & developing surgical judgment
• The art of saying "yes" to cases others say "no" to
• Balancing radical resection with functional outcomes
• Why private practice can be a new academic frontier
• Surgical video as a tool for self-improvement
• AI, precision, and the future of neurosurgery
• Advice for the next generation of neurosurgeons
PODCAST INFO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcastSOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
As artificial intelligence becomes a powerful force in surgical planning and decision-making, neurosurgeons face a profound ethical dilemma:
What happens when the machine gets it wrong?
In this solo episode of Deeply Unqualified, Aureliana Toma explores the legal, ethical, and medical consequences of integrating AI into the operating room.
We dive into:
• AI-powered brain tumor diagnosis (85% accuracy – McGill, 2025)
• Robotic surgery platforms like Mazor X and ExcelsiusGPS
• Real cases of surgical robots causing complications
• The concept of “inhuman errors” missed by AI but not by humans
• The legal gray zone: Who is liable when AI fails—surgeon, developer, or no one?
• Canada's regulatory response to AI in healthcare
• The tension between human judgment and machine autonomy
Featuring data from peer-reviewed studies, FDA reports, and leading institutions like McGill University, Duke, and Health Canada.
Key Topics Covered:
AI in glioma grading and brain tumor classification
Deep learning for neurosurgical diagnostics
Surgical robots and intraoperative precision
Algorithmic bias and health equity
Informed consent in the age of AI
Brain shift and reference frame error in neurosurgery
The evolving definition of surgical expertise
What do you think? Should AI ever hold surgical responsibility? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Follow on Instagram: @neurosurgerytales
#Neurosurgery #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEthics #SurgicalRobotics #BrainSurgery #DeeplyUnqualified #MedicalEthics #Neurosurgeon #AIinHealthcare #RoboticSurgery #HealthTech #InformedConsent #AlgorithmicBias #Neuroethics #SurgicalAI
A thought experiment that spirals into something much deeper. In this episode of Deeply Unqualified:
• How the father of neurosurgery might’ve used TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram
• Why Cushing was already a content creator—just born a century too early
• The tension between surgical mastery and digital performance
• What we gain—and what we lose—when medicine becomes media
• A personal reckoning with legacy, attention, and the cost of silence
Would Cushing have gone viral?This isn’t just about one man.
It’s about how we tell stories in medicine—and who gets remembered.
PODCAST INFO:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
A conversation with Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurosurgery at The Ohio State University, as we explore his remarkable career—from groundbreaking research at the NIH to leading advancements in neurosurgical oncology, drug delivery, and NFL concussion protocols.
In this episode:
• How does he sustain passion in neurosurgery over decades?
• What leadership lessons did he learn transitioning from NIH to Ohio State?
• The role of neurosurgeons in public health, sports medicine, and future gene therapy breakthroughs
• How to ask simple yet profound research questions that lead to real impact
• The hidden keys to crafting a successful NIH grant proposal.
PODCAST INFO:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Professor Dr. Lukas Rasulic, a globally recognized leader in peripheral nerve surgery and neurosurgery innovation. As the Head of the Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Functional Neurosurgery, and Pain Management Surgery at the University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr. Rasulic shares his unparalleled expertise and vision for the future of neurosurgery. In this episode we explore: • The pivotal challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his career. • The transformative impact of peripheral nerve surgery on patient outcomes. • Lifelong learning, innovation, and mentorship in medicine. PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this episode, Dr. Alexander Khalessi, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego and President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, shares his extraordinary journey and insights. Dr. Khalessi is a recognized leader in neurosurgery, with groundbreaking contributions to neurovascular surgery, cranial surgery, and neurosurgical education. He has shaped the field by mentoring future leaders and driving innovation. In this episode we explore: • His leadership as President of the CNS and its impact on the neurosurgical community. • The philosophies that drive his approach to education, mentorship, and patient care. • Balancing technical mastery with personalized treatment strategies. • Lessons from key mentors and their influence on his professional path. • His vision for the future of neurosurgery and the evolving role of technology. Dr. Khalessi also reflects on the importance of collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leaving a lasting legacy in neurosurgery.
PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr. Grigore Zapuhlîh, a pioneer and a leader who has shaped the field in Moldova. We explore his incredible journey, from his early days as a student to his pivotal role in advancing neurosurgery in a transitioning healthcare system. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about resilience, progress, and dedication. Tune in for a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of Moldova’s most influential neurosurgeons.
We discuss:
• The evolution of neurosurgery in Moldova
• His fascinating journey to becoming a neurosurgeon
• Challenges in bringing modern techniques to a transitioning healthcare system
• The mindset shift in neurosurgery over the years
• What remains timeless in neurosurgery and his vision for the future
PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this episode, Dr. Mustafa Baskaya shares his incredible journey, from medical school in Turkey to advanced training in Japan and the United States, highlighting his philosophy, techniques, and contributions to the field of neurosurgery. We explore: - His transition to the U.S. for neurosurgical training. - Advice for residents and international medical graduates pursuing neurosurgery in the U.S. - The future of skull base and cerebrovascular surgery. - The evolution from microsurgery to "ultramicroneurosurgery." - Defining success in neurosurgery and handling high expectations. Dr. Baskaya also discusses the critical importance of understanding anatomy, choosing the right surgical approach, and minimizing harm to patients while maintaining excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned neurosurgeon or an aspiring one, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and inform. PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this special episode of Neurosurgery Tales , Prof. Yoko Kato, the first female professor of neurosurgery in Japan and a global advocate for women in the field, shares the journey that led her to neurosurgery, the early mentors who inspired her, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. She discusses the founding of the Women’s Neurosurgical Association of Japan and the Asian Women's Neurosurgical Association, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship for future generations. We also explore her impactful work in bridging neurosurgical education gaps across the world and hear her advice for young women facing cultural challenges in pursuing their dreams. This episode provides a rare glimpse into Prof. Kato’s inspiring career and her dedication to neurosurgery on a global scale.
PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this episode, we’re honored to sit down with Prof. Jorge Mura, a leading neurosurgeon who established Chile’s first cerebrovascular fellowship program, shaping the future of specialized neurosurgical training in Latin America. With over 4,000 brain surgeries and a wealth of experience in complex cerebrovascular and skull base procedures, Prof. Mura shares his journey from a young surgeon to a seasoned mentor who now values internal growth and self-knowledge.
Prof. Mura opens up about the immense challenges of neurosurgery, the importance of building a strong foundation in medical practice, and the emotional weight of every surgery. He also reflects on his passion for teaching, offering insight into the lessons he imparts to the next generation and how the field has evolved over time.
In this episode:
• Prof. Mura’s foundational work in Chilean neurosurgery
• The balance of skill, technology, and patience in complex surgeries
• The personal and professional growth that comes from experience
• Why internal validation is key to sustaining a career in neurosurgery
PODCAST INFO:
Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
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Dr. Ricardo Komotar, one of the world’s highest-volume brain tumor surgeons and a leader in neurosurgery, shares insights on leadership, innovation, and how his philosophy on brain tumor surgery has evolved, especially in balancing aggressive treatment with quality of life for patients.
Beyond the OR, Dr. Komotar opens up about his journey, the resilience required for neurosurgery, and even his passion for sneakers as a form of personal expression.
In this episode: •Dr. Komotar’s early inspirations and why he chose neurosurgery over becoming an astronaut • How his philosophy on brain tumor surgery has evolved, focusing on patient quality of life • The qualities he values most in residency applicants and his advice for the interview process • Key lessons learned from collaborating with specialists outside neurosurgery • The importance of resilience and grit in neurosurgery • Dr. Komotar’s passion for sneakers and how they bring personality into his daily routine PODCAST INFO: Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: -Twitter: https://x.com/AurelianaToma - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sabino Luzzi, an esteemed neurosurgeon from Italy, known for his expertise in neurovascular and skull base surgery and his innovative contributions to the field of augmented reality in neurosurgery. Dr. Luzzi shares his profound experiences and insights gained from years of practice and research.
In this conversation, we explore Dr. Luzzi's philosophy on balancing precision and speed in the operating room, his reflections on mentorship, and the role of augmented reality in transforming neurosurgical procedures. He also discusses the challenges of training young neurosurgeons, maintaining humility amidst success, and the importance of passion in this demanding profession. Dr. Luzzi’s approach to surgical excellence and innovation offers invaluable lessons for neurosurgeons at every stage of their career.
PODCAST INFO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast SOCIAL: -Twitter: https://x.com/AurelianaToma - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/ - Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma